<VV> Replacing the Crossmember

[George Jones]

If memory serves me right, all six nuts are cage nuts. If there is any way
possible, you want to get some type of penetrant on those nuts for a number
of consecutive days before you try to remove thr bolts. If you snap either
of the front two, you'll find a new meaning for the word "frustrating" (and
probably invent a few new 4 letter words as well).


-- 
George Jones
Tidewater Corvair Club
Central Virginia Corvair Club
'65 Monza Crown V8 Convertible
'66 Monza Coupe (Custom)


On 8/8/06, BBRT <chsadek at adelphia.net> wrote:
>
> See below
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "John Neal" <nealj at twcny.rr.com>
> To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 9:41 PM
> Subject: <VV> Replacing the Crossmember
>
>
> >
> > Teammates, I'm looking for some sage advice as I prepare to rebuild the
> > front end of my beloved 'Vair up here in New York.   I find my front
> > crossmember has the strength of a four-day old loaf of French bread and
> > I'm
> > going to pull it out and replace it with a nice old used one.  I've got
> > the
> > shop manual and it seems deceptively simple.too simple.  I'd appreciate
> > some
> > advice on this task from those who have been there.
> >
> > - What kind of fasteners are on top of the frame to hold the crossmember
> > in
> > place?  They seem difficult to access.  Any tips on pulling those 40
> > year-old bolts?
>
> ****The front two bolts on each side bolts bolt into nuts welded to top of
> frame, as I recall and the nuts may break loose so you need to be able to
> get to them, or break the heads of the bolts off and then get them out of
> the hole. The rear most one bolts in to a square nut called a cage nut
> which
> fits in the little cage you can see. It will be rusted tight,
> too.  Vendors
> and specialty hardware stores carry the square nuts.  Or you can drill a
> piece of square quarter inch steel and tap it.
> >
> > - I intend to replace all the ball joints, tie rod ends, shocks,
> bushings,
> > and grommets as a part of this effort.  Anything else I should consider
> > there? Springs?
>
> ****Generally the right side ball joints are worse than the left.  There
> are
> quite a few bushings. Do not collapse lower control arm or bend upper when
> installing bushings. This is a good time to replace brake lines.
> Especially
> the one to the right front.
> >
> > - Any tips on making this an easier success?  Is aligning the new
> > crossmember with the frame holes likely to be a challenge?
>
> **** I have never heard of a problem. Cna't remember if I took out the gas
> tank, but a wonderful time to do it... Reasonably easy to clean and seal
> yourself.
>
> Good Luck
>
> Chuck S
>
>